Baton-wielding Cambodian police clashed yesterday with protesters - including Buddhist monks - demanding higher wages for garment workers and the release of 23 people arrested during a recent bloody crackdown on a rally.

About 200 textile workers, union members, land-rights protesters and several monks attempting to stage a rally at Phnom Penh's Democracy Park were met by scores of riot police.

A brief clash broke out when some of the protesters tried to make it through police lines into the park, prompting officers to use batons against them.

Protesters responded by throwing rocks, water bottles and sticks.

At least 10 people from both sides were injured, according to activist Am Sam Ath of local rights group Licadho. "The clash shows zero tolerance from authorities [for protests]," he said.